Mega Darkrai ex

Market outlook

Stable Outlook 7/10

Early hype has already established a high opening price, but modern chase cards often cool after release before finding a more durable equilibrium. The card should remain one of the strongest values in Pitch Black because it is the headline character and top illustrated rarity.[1][4][8]

Next months. Likely volatile in the first 3-6 months, with prices softening from peak presale levels if supply increases, then stabilizing as grading population and collector demand become clearer.

Long term. Over 1-3 years, the card should hold above-average value relative to most modern pulls if Mega Darkrai ex remains a favored character, though long-term upside will depend on print volume, reprint risk, and sustained collector interest.

History

Darkrai is a Mythical Pokémon introduced in the fourth-generation games as the embodiment of nightmares and dark dreams. In the TCG, Darkrai has long been used as a marquee Darkness-type character because of its strong visual identity, competitive appeal, and association with control or disruption strategies. Mega Darkrai ex in Pitch Black continues that tradition as the set mascot and top chase card, with the card’s artwork and naming presenting Darkrai in a dramatically enhanced Mega form tied to the Mega Evolution era and the Pitch Black expansion’s dark-themed branding.[1][4][11]

The English first printing of this specific Mega Darkrai ex Special Illustration Rare is in Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Pitch Black, released July 17, 2026.[1][6][11]

• This card is the Special Illustration Rare version of Mega Darkrai ex and is widely identified as the chase card of Pitch Black.[1][4]
• The card is numbered 116/084 in the English set numbering used by some databases, while other sources describe it as a late-set secret rare slot in Pitch Black’s expanded numbering structure.[1][2][4]
• Multiple sources describe the card as illustrated by AKIRA EGAWA and note that it uses a full-art, edge-to-edge holofoil presentation with no reverse-holo or alternate non-holo variant.[1]

Rarity and print run

Tier

Secret Rare

Print run

Low

First printed in

Pitch Black

Demand

Very High

Supply

Low

• Special Illustration Rare chase slot in a new main expansion.[1][2]
• Set mascot and centerpiece character, which concentrates collector demand.[1][4]
• Only one known English printing and no alternate reverse-holo version reported in the supplied sources.[1]
• High visual appeal and strong early-market hype from pre-release pricing.[1][8]

Collector notes

Condition. Check the full-art borders and corners for whitening, since special illustration rares show edge wear quickly. Inspect the holofoil surface for scratches, print lines, scuffs, and pressure marks, especially around dark areas where defects are easier to see. Centering and corner sharpness matter significantly for grading, and any factory nicks on the edges will reduce value. Because the card is a high-value chase card, even minor surface flaws can create large price differences between raw and graded copies.[1][2]

Storage. Store the card in a soft sleeve and rigid top loader or magnetic holder immediately after opening. Keep it away from direct light, heat, humidity, and friction from binder rings or loose stacks. For long-term preservation, use archival-safe sleeves and a sealed grading-style sleeve if you are not submitting it for authentication or grading.[2]

Authenticity. Compare the back color saturation, rosette dot pattern, and font weight against a known genuine English Pokémon card. Counterfeits often show weak holofoil texture, blurry text, poor edge cutting, or light leakage under a back-light test. Because this is a high-value card, professional grading by graded, graded, or graded is the most reliable way to authenticate a valuable copy.[2]